Categories
Criminal Defense Technology- & IT-Law

BiotechCrime: Biotechnology and biohacking as a criminal offense

Biotechnology ranges from traditional genetic engineering to the development of personalized medicine and synthetic biology, which modifies biological systems using a modular principle. Thanks to CRISPR-Cas9, DNA can be edited in a targeted manner, while biotechnological processes are increasingly being used in industrial production – whether for the manufacture of medicines, artificial organisms or even drugs. But where innovations sprout, there are also legal and ethical pitfalls.

Biotechnology not only opens up unimagined medical and economic opportunities, but also harbors considerable risks, particularly in the area of crime. I summarize this new dimension of criminally relevant offences under the keyword “BiotechCrime “.

Categories
Criminal Defense

European arrest warrant: Support in Germany

Your lawyer in Germany if you are affected by a European arrest warrant: The European Union has set itself the goal of creating a constitutional foundation that facilitates the smooth exchange and cooperation between its member states.

An outstanding example of this integration process is the European Arrest Warrant (EAW), which has revolutionized the extradition procedure between EU member states. Since its introduction in 2002, it has served as a key instrument in combating cross-border crime and ensuring effective prosecution. But what exactly is the European arrest warrant, how does it work, and how do you defend yourself as a victim in Germany?

Your criminal defence lawyer in Germany: Our law firm specializes in criminal defence in Germany and offers you lawyers available at short notice. Especially if someone has been arrested and is to be extradited from Germany – or is to be extradited to Germany, we are available for you immediately! We work seamlessly with colleagues abroad.

Categories
Criminal Defense

Red Notice

What is a “Red Notice”: A “Red Notice” is a worldwide request, via Interpol, to national law enforcement authorities to locate and provisionally detain a person awaiting extradition, surrender or similar legal proceedings. Briefly described: A “Red Notice” is an international wanted notice, but not an arrest warrant.

Please note that we are criminal defense lawyers in Germany and can therefore only help if you are looking for support in Germany. If you are wanted in another country, you must find a local lawyer!

A Red Notice is therefore not an“international arrest warrant” and contains two main pieces of information for the search for persons:

  • Information to identify the wanted person, such as name, date of birth, nationality, hair and eye color, photos and fingerprints.
  • Information related to the crime for which this person is wanted – which, according to Interpol, is usually murder, rape, child abuse or armed robbery, not petty offenses.
Categories
Technology- & IT-Law

Loot boxes in German gambling law

Loot boxes, virtual loot boxes in video games, have attracted considerable attention in recent years. They offer players randomly generated virtual items that can range from purely cosmetic changes to game-changing advantages. The legal assessment of loot boxes is complex and concerns both gambling law and the protection of minors and consumers. This article provides a brief overview for providers and users.

Categories
Criminal Defense Technology- & IT-Law

Criminal liability for gambling in Germany

Gambling has always fascinated people. However, while they are an exciting leisure activity for many, their legal framework in Germany harbors numerous risks – both for providers and participants. This article highlights the legal regulations that providers must observe and explains the potential criminal consequences for participants in illegal gambling.

Categories
Technology- & IT-Law

Software law in Germany: Software projects between work and service contract

A ruling by the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt (case reference: 10 U 201/22) on December 19, 2024 dealt with a central conflict in IT services: the distinction between a contract for work and a contract for services. It concerned the development of interfaces within a larger software project and the question of whether the provider is liable for a specific success or merely for diligent action. This decision is of considerable relevance for companies as it provides guidelines for the drafting of contracts and legal protection for software projects.

Categories
Criminal Defense

Trenbolone and punishable doping in Germany

In a recent article, Manager-Magazin (MM) highlighted an alarming development in the field of weight training: trenbolone, a steroid originally developed for cattle breeding, has become a dangerous trend in bodybuilding and recreational sports. Under the guise of fitness and body cult, a substance is being celebrated whose side effects and risks are alarming.

Categories
Liability of the management Technology- & IT-Law

Warranty law for AI systems: What companies in Germany should pay attention to

Companies that want to optimize their processes, make more informed decisions or develop innovative business models are increasingly relying on AI systems. However, the technological opportunities are also accompanied by considerable legal challenges, particularly with regard to warranty law. Anyone wishing to acquire an AI system for their company or train their own neural network on platforms such as Azure or AWS should carefully examine the legal framework.

Categories
Liability of the management Technology- & IT-Law

The era of robots – change, challenges and legal perspectives in Germany

In 2025, robotics will have established itself as one of the driving forces in our society: intelligent machines are not only finding their place in industry, but also increasingly in everyday life. This development creates both opportunities and profound challenges that affect the labor market, the structure of society and the legal system. A recent article in the Handelsblatt serves as a starting point for me to write a few fresh lines on an underrated topic with considerable legal and socio-political explosiveness. Note: The article first appeared in German on my blog on robotics law!

Categories
Labour law Liability of the management Technology- & IT-Law

IT Forensics in Cyber Incidents: A Legal Guide for Management in Germany

Cyber incidents, whether caused by external attackers or internal employees, present immense challenges to companies. In addition to ensuring business continuity, the forensic analysis of such incidents is essential to minimize damage, identify perpetrators, and collect legally admissible evidence. However, IT forensics operates in a highly complex legal environment. Companies must closely align legal requirements and technical capabilities not only to close security gaps but also to prevail in potential legal disputes.

The pressing questions are: How can incidents be clarified, perpetrators identified, and all legal requirements met at the same time? IT forensics provides essential tools but is not solely a technical discipline. It requires a precise interplay of technology, law, and organizational measures. Management, in particular, is responsible for creating an environment in which IT forensic measures can be implemented effectively and in compliance with the law—ideally before an incident occurs. This article highlights the legal aspects of IT forensics, from threat analysis to securing evidence that is admissible in court.